Building leaders for bright future

In addition to providing the energy essential to sustaining our modern way of life, ExxonMobil works in collaboration governments and community organisations to help enhance the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.

Extensive research and years of experience have clearly shown that improving education and advancing economic opportunities for women are two of the most effective ways to build a foundation for prosperity and improved social outcomes.

This is why we focus on improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies from an early age as well as advancing women’s participation in economic development around the world.

We do this through our Bright Future Grants to schools and kindergartens and, globally, through ExxonMobil’s Women’s Economic Opportunity Initiative, which supports initiatives like the Global Women in Management (GWIM) program.

We get opportunities to use our outstanding workers to promote these causes through our Ambassadors program.

Refining & Supply Community Relations Adviser Nikki Calcraft said two local kindergartens asked if we had any female engineers to come and present to the children.

“I want to inspire my kindergarten children to be engineers and scientists,” said Jessica Johnston from Emma McLean Kinder in Spotswood.

“Do you have anyone who can visit our kindergarten and talk about the importance of their work with the passion and developmentally appropriate language to inspire these wonderful children? We would love to host a visit from any of your staff but would especially love to address the gender bias around these careers with the visit of a woman if at all possible. But anyone who makes science look good is very welcome here.”

Theresa McIntosh, a Chemical Engineer and Maintenance Supervisor at the Yarraville Terminal, had the pleasure of visiting Emma McLean Kinder with Nikki.

This was followed by a visit to Robina Scott Kinder in Williamstown in mid-August by Altona Refinery Process Engineer Anna Bainbridge and then again two weeks later by the Refinery Development Engineer Sue Yean Tan.

“We had a lot of fun during the visits,” said Nikki. “Our three engineers made excellent ambassadors for their profession.

“During each visit they delivered a fascinating, interactive presentation to two separate groups of 20 to 30 children.

“So I’m guessing there will be no shortage of engineers from the west in about 20 years time.”
Photo — Theresa McIntosh (above) addresses kids at Emma McLean Kinder. “Our three engineers made excellent ambassadors for their profession."